Washed up at Sea Oats Beach - Karen C. Whalen

One sun-drenched morning at Sea Oats Beach, Breanna Hart stumbles on the dead body of a
surfer washed ashore. As the reality of her grim find sinks in, a movement in the water catches her eye—a chocolate Lab perched on a surfboard. Did the dog belong to the surfer or someone else? With no answer to that question, Breanna fosters the traumatized canine and learns about the incredible world of dogs who surf—an unexpected yet fascinating sport.

What began as a tragic encounter quickly escalates into a homicide investigation when the authorities determine that the woman’s death was no accident. Driven by her desire for justice for the woman, and healing for the Lab, Breanna sets out to connect the lost dog to his people and unravel the secrets hiding in the tide. Will she discover the truth, or will it remain as mysterious as life under the waves?

Dive into the sequel to the award-winning Mystery at Sea Oats Beach featuring a colorful cast of characters including the island town of Sea Oats Beach itself. Sit back and relax, unwind, and escape to the shore!

My Review

Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach: A cozy mystery beach read by Karen C. Whalen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good cozy murder mystery and Washed up at Sea Oats Beach certainly fits that criteria. Bree hasn't lived near Sea Oats Beach for long, but she seems to have found herself in the middle of a mystery for a second time (although I haven't read the first book as yet). She finds the body of a woman on the beach, as if washed up from a surfing accident, but with strangulation marks around her neck, showing this is anything but an accident.
I loved the setting of this book, as Bree tries to find her way in this new community, juggling her own insecurities and her brother's issues, as well as trying to get to the bottom of this murder. She also takes care of a dog who was at the scene and seems to enjoy surfing and skateboarding just as much as some of the locals.
On a slightly different note, I also hadn't heard of 'sea oats' before, but they clearly belong to the same family as other dune grasses such as toi toi and I can see how they got their name with their almost feather like seeds. What a great name for them and this beach community.
This was a light hearted, but gripping read, although I hadn't a clue who was responsible by the end. It all added up and made sense though and I really enjoyed this read. I think I may have to go back and read others in the series and I'm looking forward to what happens next for Bree and her friends.

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Death at Inishmore Castle - Lucy Connelly

 A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead?

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love Mercy McCarthy!

My Review

I'm really enjoying these Mercy McCarthy Mysteries. They are easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable books about murder (which sounds mad to even say, but if you like murder mysteries, I'm sure you get it).
This time Mercy and her sister Lizzie are visiting Inishmore Castle when a murderer strikes and writer Mercy finds herself investigating yet again. She also seems to be getting even more friendly with local Garda Kieran (and I'm hoping that's going to develop even further in future books).
I didn't manage to solve this one, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn't really spend a great deal of time trying to get to the bottom of it. Great read though. I was a little surprised for a raccoon popping up the story, but apparently google tells me that they can occasionally be found in the wild in Ireland. I can't imagine that they are a regular occurrence though, but who knows, sometimes these things quickly establish themselves.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Mercy, Lizzie, Poe the Dog and Kieran next...
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Bestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA’s, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Reader’s Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation’s leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.

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Death in an English Village - Fliss Chester

 When the family gardener is murdered near a site of legendary buried treasure, dog-lover and mystery-solver Cressida Fawcett is on the case!

1926, Sussex. The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is delighted to return to her parents’ rambling mansion to introduce them to her pug Ruby’s puppies. But when the pups go running off with Cressida in hot pursuit, they lead her to a bubbling stream – Hell’s Ditch. And the body of Bob the gardener is floating there, his outstretched hand clutching a soggy cheese and pickle sandwich.

Everyone assumes Bob died of natural causes. But when Cressida finds a glittering gold coin grasped in his other fist, she realises this is part of the long-hidden Saxon hoard. Was Bob struck down by the gold’s ancient curse? As Cressida interviews the colourful members of the local historical society, she learns that Bob had been boasting of new-found wealth, much to the annoyance of his wife, and perhaps deadly jealousy of the other members…

Luckily for Cressida, eminent historian Sir James Colston, friend of the family, arrives at the mansion with tantalising information on the whereabouts of the rest of the Saxon gold. He promises to tell all, but the very next day he collapses into his morning porridge…

To Cressida’s horror, Marian – Bob’s widow and her parents’ cook – is accused of poisoning both the porridge and Bob’s sandwich and is carted off to jail. But Cressida is sure the answers are buried in the past. Just how far would a history boffin or a hard-up local go for an ancient pot of gold? And can Cressida dig up the truth before poison worms its way into her family’s kitchen again?

An absolutely addictive, warm and witty whodunnit that will keep you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright.

My Review

I tried really hard not to read this too quickly. Really, really hard. Or at least, in my mind I did. In reality, I devoured every page in a greedy 'don't want to put this book down' frenzy. Now I'm just sad that it's over.
This is the seventh book in the Cressida Fawcett series and while they are stand alone mysteries, that would work just fine if you hadn't read the others, I think that you're missing out if don't start at the beginning. Cressida, Alf, Dotty and of course pug Ruby are such great characters and I've loved following them as they solve these mysteries. I'm loving watching Cressida's relationship with Alfred grow through each book. He's such an understanding chap and a great match for her.
The murder this time is tied up in a missing Anglo-Saxon hoard after the victim is found clutching a gold coin. Has he been killed because he has found the money, or is there more to it than that? Even though the police are on the case, Cressida seems to have the skills to get to the bottom of everything.
I'm sure that it won't be too long before Cressida finds herself in the midst of a mystery again. I can't wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

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Dark Hearts Aflame - Amber Daulton

 A drug lord on the run. A cartel princess in hiding. All it takes is a spark to set their world ablaze.

Bristol Rieger, better known as Thorn, left his criminal life behind for a fresh start in Mexico. Flying under the radar of the government and the cartels alike, his best-laid plans go awry when a woman from his narco days discovers his whereabouts. Carmen Lozano, however, is no longer the innocent girl he remembers.

Carmen escaped the chains of her tiara and her abusive marriage to join a group of resistance fighters. The last thing she expected was the now-retired capo setting out to seduce her with his wicked touch. Embracing the blood on his hands is easy, but his secrets wear on her patience.

When their enemies close in, Bristol will have to summon his inner monster to protect her. But can that monster be tamed again?



– Book one in the dark romantic suspense series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.

– Scenes featuring torture/violence, kidnapping, attempted assault, drug use, and suicide (discussed) may be uncomfortable for some readers.

– No cheating and HEA guaranteed!

Dark Hearts Aflame (Lozano Cartel Book 1): A Dark Redemption Cartel/Mafia Romance by Amber Daulton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark Hearts Aflame follows the story of Carmen and Bristol. Carmen is in hiding from her husband and family. She meets Bristol by accident, who is also on the run from his criminal past. They were both very attracted to one another when they were younger and now, meeting again, it's impossible to deny their attraction.
Unlike many characters in similar books, Carmen is a strong woman who isn't afraid to get what she wants and from who she wants. I'm a bit sick of these virginal, quiet types, so this certainly made a welcome change. Bristol is a good match for her and I thought that they worked really well together.
It did amuse me that to hide his identity, Bristol changed his second name, but stuck with Bristol. I don't think I've ever heard anyone with that as their name before. But perhaps that's simply because I'm in the UK and naming people after British cities is something we don't really do.
This was a gripping and satisfying read and I'd recommend.

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A Village Theatre Murder - Katie Gayle

There’s nothing quite like a night at the theatre. But Julia Bird is expecting a night of sweeping drama, not an onstage murder!

At the end of Berrywick’s amateur theatre’s latest production, a shot rings out amongst the rapturous applause. But when Julia Bird peeks through the curtain, she sees lead actor Graham is lying still on the stage, his co-actor Oscar looking down at his prop gun in shock. She knows that Graham has been murdered, but with nearly everyone in the village helping with the play, anyone could have tampered with the props. And why was a beloved family man the target?

Graham’s wife Jane collapses in a puddle of tears as Oscar is comforted and led away from the stage. But days later when Julia spots prim and proper Jane kissing Oscar, she wonders if the grieving widow’s tears were fake. Graham served Jane divorce papers the day of the tragedy – was he killed before he could spill the beans on his wife’s affair, and sully her perfect reputation?

Meanwhile, the aptly named director, Roger Grave, wants the show to go on. The play is up for a local award, and this might just be Roger’s big break. But when failed actor Hector is not assigned the lead role he assumed he’d get, the mood among the cast quickly turns sour. Could Hector have killed Graham out of jealously for the leading role, Julia wonders?

Then another member of the crew is found dead and Julia discovers there’s a dark secret at the heart of Berrywick’s local theatre society. But who would kill to protect it? Can Julia find the murderer before it’s curtains for another victim?

A totally gripping, charming cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will absolutely love the Julia Bird Mysteries.

My Review

I have to admit, when I started reading A Village Theatre Murder, I had a little bit of a sinking feeling. I've seen this 'method' of murder so many times before. But, what I was forgetting, was that these Julia Bird Mysteries are very much classic murder mysteries. Who cares if it's been done before? That's almost the point. When it's as well written and entertaining as these books are, they are a joy to read.
In addition to the mystery, there's always the subplot of Julia's life and that of her friends and family. In previous books, we've met significant people from Julia's past, her ex-husband and daughter. This time we get to meet Sean's son Jonno. As a mystery, it doesn't need these extras, but it just adds to the enjoyment and depth of the read.
I was way ahead of Julia on this one, but I will admit that was probably down to a lucky guess on my part. It was still lots of fun to follow Julia's investigation.
I really enjoy this series. I hope that we shall return soon, no doubt there will be yet another murder in this sleeply little village that Julia can get caught up in. She seems to have a nack for it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both made their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. 

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Murder at the Loch - Dee MacDonald

Meet Ally McKinley: dog lover, guesthouse owner and accidental detective, as she tackles her next case in the beautiful Scottish Highlands!

Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…

Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.

The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…

Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?

A completely addictive Scottish cosy mystery from bestselling author Dee MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.

My Review

Murder at the Loch is only the second book in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, but already I feel like I know Ally, Ross and her other friends. In this second book, two seemingly unconnected young brides are murdered and Ally wants to know who could be behind it.
The storyline heavily features local Earl Hamish, who has always had an eye of the ladies. Despite his advancing years, he hasn't let this slow him down on the romance front and that is certainly tied up in this lastest outbreak of murder.
The setting for these books is the beautiful highlands and Ally's guest house that I would love to go and stay in. It all sounds so lovely. Maybe not if people are going to keep getting themselves murdered up there though!
I was a little ahead of Ally on this one at every step, although only just ahead if I'm honest. I really enjoyed this read and I'm looking forward to heading north again soon and joining Ally, Ross and Flora the dog again in the near future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.

She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!

Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

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Daring Destiny - Kaylene Winter

Daring Destiny
Kaylene Winter
(Charming Irish, #2)
Publication date: January 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Daring Destiny is a sweltering saga of billionaire intrigue, opposites-attract, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers with an unexpected life-changing twist.

Before I founded my AI tech company, I spent my high school years silently pining over Astrid Gustafsson, the unattainable ice-blonde beauty. Fast forward a decade and I’m shocked when she asks to collaborate on a secret project. The opportunity is too enticing to pass up.

Our newfound friendship quickly ignites into a wildfire of desire, and my passion for Astrid intensifies, leaving me eager to risk everything for our future. The challenge is, relentless demands of my high-stakes empire threaten to smother the flames of our burgeoning romance.

When fate dramatically intervenes, will a life-changing twist dare us to embrace our destiny?

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Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

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My Review

I really enjoy Kaylene Winter's books; they offer something a little beyond your usual romance. Having read all of her Less than Zero books and then the following spin-off series, I knew that I was going to enjoy Daring Destiny, and I wasn't disappointed.

This is an old friend reconnecting and then becoming something more romantic. It also has the added level of featuring a character who is neurodiverse. This gives him a different way of looking at life and also makes him a very different but still very desirable romance hero. In many ways, he is perfect for Astrid, and the two of them make for a perfect balance.

I really enjoyed this romance and couldn't put it down, getting through it in just over a day. I loved the different levels that Kaylene Winter brings to her stories; this is no exception. All of her books are interconnected, but you don't need to read any of the others to enjoy this one (I recommend that you do though) you don't even need to have read the first in this series.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the Charming Irish series, which I think will feature younger brother Seamus. 

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